In order to optimize rearing of Ageniaspis citricola Logvinovskaya (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) in laboratory the parasitism capacity of the parasitoid was evaluated at 20, 25 and 30°C. After determining that the parasitism was similar in eggs and 1st-instar larvae of Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton in free-choice and no choice tests, the study of the development of the parasitoid on eggs was preferred for the readiness of acquiring and handling this stage of the parasitoid development. The parasitism capacity was similar at all three temperatures, although differences occurred in the other parameters especially the duration of the egg-adult period (23.6 days to 20°C, 18.1 days to 25°C and 13.8 days to 30°C), decreasing with the thermal elevation. However, considering the aim of this work, the 25°C temperature is more adequate for rearing the insect in laboratory for providing higher survival and produced a higher number of pupae per parasitized egg. Although the results at 20°C were very close, such temperature is not recommended because the cycle is extended with a consequent lower number of individuals produced.
Insecta; parasitoid rearing; citrus leaf miner; egg parasitoid
